Say hello to your Chick-fil-A Castle Rock Leadership Team

Founders

Cody Steinke

General Manager

  • I chose Chick-fil-A because of something that happened to me when I was around 8 years old. I was in the back seat of my parents’ car when my mom decided I was finally big enough to order a 12-count chicken nugget meal instead of an 8! I was so excited, but to my dismay, there were only 11 nuggets in the box. I remember being so disappointed and frustrated so we went to the front and told the team member behind the counter about the issue. To my surprise he didn't take the 11 nuggets but he brought me a 6-count nugget meaning in total I was given 17 nuggets! I was so blown away and right then and there I realized how generous of a company Chick-fil-A was! Now I am the one who gets to hand out that 6-count nugget!

  • Chick-fil-A has impacted my life in more ways than I can count. It has taught me the value of intentionality, organization, and genuine care! It has brought me more friends than I ever thought it would and helped me to surround myself with a great community that is working towards similar goals as myself.

  • Outside of the restaurant you will most likely find me either drinking Dr. Pepper, playing basketball, or kicking someone's butt in Super Smash Bros! One of my life goals is to travel and eat in 50 different countries as I love to travel!

  • The leadership style that you can always expect from me is being fully and completely honest. I will always tell you the truth even if that means it is sometimes hard to hear. My motivation is that more than anything I want to see you grow! Whatever I need to be for your growth I will do my best to always be! Don't hesitate to ask me questions about not just the restaurant but anything you may have going on outside of the restaurant as well!

Alex Marr

Director

  • I came to work here as my first job out of college, and didn't really know what to expect. I met with Joe and he described the culture that we have here at CFA Castle Rock, and I was immediately sold. I love how we are all trying out best to learn and grow, which is what keeps me motivated myself.

  • When I first started working here, I was about as introverted and antisocial as you could get. During my time here, I have been able to break out of my shell and grow in many different ways.

  • Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym and working out or playing basketball, and I am a big Dallas Mavericks fan. I am also a big anime fan, so I am constantly trying to watch new series to keep myself entertained, although One Piece is definitely my personal favorite.

  • I am a leader that definitely tries to prioritize my team's needs above all else, as I am always here to not only serve the guest, but also the people that work here. My working genius is Discernment and Invention.

Zachery McCready

Director

  • I chose Chick-fil-A Castle Rock because of the rich culture that our Operator, Joe, has created. He pours into each and every Team Member that comes through our doors. Chick-fil-A Castle Rock fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging amongst all. From the moment you clock in for your first day, you can expect an intentional investment into both your personal and professional development.

  • In my 13 years with Chick-fil-A, I have never felt a stronger sense of purpose than I have at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock. I am exuberantly blessed for the life lessons that my tenure here has generated. I attribute the leadership skills that I possess today to be a direct result of the intentionality that has been placed on my growth. Whether Chick-fil-A is a career choice or a stepping stone, you will emerge with a unique skillset that will compliment your resume.

  • I am a very amateur mechanic, as well as an emerging fisherman. Nothing compares to the euphoria of being up in the quiet, serene mountains of Colorado with my pole in the water. I possess a deep love for music and the theatre, and have since my childhood. A fun fact about me - The Phantom Of The Opera is my favorite musical. If I'm not wearing my fishing boots, you will find me spending time with my family, which is of extreme importance to me, or catching up with colleagues.

  • As a leader, you can expect fairness, honesty, and transparency from me. Helping others achieve their full potential and watching them grow is a top priority for me, and one of the main reasons that I have continued in this industry for almost 20 years. I prefer to lead from a position of lightheartedness; however, I am also known to be boldly tenacious in my pursuit of accomplishing key objectives. I am all about guidelines and procedures, but others will tell you - it will always be a fun day.

Lorali Negrete

Manager

  • I moved to Colorado when I was going into my junior year of high school and I knew the best way to make friends was to get involved with something (a job, an extracurricular, etc.). I knew that Chick-fil-A had a friendly environment and was a place that I could see myself surrounded with kind people continuously looking to grow.

  • Chick-fil-A Castle Rock has impacted my life by allowing me a place to grow, giving me life skills, allowing me leadership opportunities and so much more. I constantly feel as though I am surrounded by people who want to help me grow and where I am able to help others grow. Because of this I have made so many friends here who push me to become a better person every day.

  • Outside of Chick-fil-A I enjoy reading books and am trying to build a library large enough to have a room dedicated for it. When my sister is in town, I love to spend time with her and my family by playing Monopoly Go, Phase 10, and other card games. I also enjoy spending time with my fiancé, doing homework together, watching How I Met Your Mother, hiking, going to the movies, and so much more.

  • As a leader, you can expect me to provide clear guidance, support, and feedback to help you succeed. I prioritize open communication and create a supportive environment where my team can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Empathy is at the core of my leadership style—I understand their challenges, respect their individuality, and offer assistance tailored to their needs. I strive to recognize their achievements, offer development opportunities, and ensure fairness in all interactions. Together, we can work towards your growth and the success of the team!

Trevor Michaelis

Manager

  • I chose Chick-fil-A Castle Rock because of the incredible reputation of the service and culture, and I was eager to become a part of it. My experience at Chick-fil-A has proven to be the most rewarding job I've had, largely thanks to the exceptional leadership.

  • I began my journey at Chick-fil-A when I was just 16 years old, with little understanding of effective social interaction or the potential impact I could have on our guests' lives. However, over the years, I challenged myself to step beyond my comfort zone, striving to become the version of myself.

  • Outside of Chick-fil-A, I spend most of my time hanging out with friends and family. I enjoy playing Minecraft or fixing up my 1996 Mazda Miata. My favorite thing of all is hanging out with my fiancé, either watching "How I Met Your Mother," book shopping, or whatever other adventures life has in store for us.

  • As a leader in the restaurant I pride myself on my values and beliefs. I shape my leadership around integrity and fairness. I am committed to supporting your growth and success, no matter where your journey in life may lead you.

Jamie Graf

Manager

  • I chose Chick-fil-A because of the culture. I had heard from friends who worked here previously that it was such a fun work environment. Things like the Summer and Christmas Parties, managers on the shift, and the people I work with all made me want to work at Chick-fil-A. Also, Chick-fil-A being closed on Sundays was a bonus.

  • Chick-fil-A has impacted my life by giving me better opportunities for education, work experience, and challenges for personal development. I attend Point University which is a college through CFA which lets me work toward my bachelor's degree. The work experience of being a manager has impacted my life in the sense of understanding how a business operates and why it's so important that we do things in certain ways. CFA has challenged me to also become an always-growing leader. I'm constantly looking for ways to develop myself and others from podcasts, books, and conversations with other leaders.

  • Outside of Chick-fil-A, I spend most of my time attending college. When I do have free time, I love to be in the outdoors either hunting, fishing, ATVing, skiing, or hiking. One day, I'd like to have my a shop, so I love learning about woodworking or metal projects and creative ideas.

  • My leadership style is Invention and Enablement. I enjoy coming up with ideas and solutions to problems and addressing issues. I will also be there for others when they need it. Giving support and assistance wherever needed. This means I'll try and challenge your thought process for why we do what we do as well as the importance behind it.

Daniel Brooks

Director

  • I originally was a volunteer firefighter while working at Chick-fil-A. I wanted to help people in any possible way in my life. I realized that Chick-fil-A has given me an opportunity to do so, but with each and every guest that steps through those front doors from new hires to every guest I talk with. I changed my career to Chick-fil-A to be a life coach and mentor for anyone that needs it and to change lives in a positive way.

  • Chick-fil-A continues to have a huge impact on my life. I changed my entire career path and I would not have become the Person/Husband/Father I am today without the help of everyone here. I have learned how to get over many obstacles and continue to want to grow each and every day.

  • I am a step-father to a beautiful 2 year old that loves to go on adventures, whether it's the store or the aquarium, this girl keeps me on my toes. I spend most of my time with my family and cooking for them. I love cooking at-home meals and strive to be an “at-home-chef.” When I have my downtime, I will play some Minecraft with my wife and play some other video games with my friends. In the summer time, I love to hike and take my dog on walks to get some exercise.

  • You can expect consistency and honesty from me as one of your leaders. I will take pride in my store and care for the well being of my team. I will challenge you to achieve goals you may not see possible. I will be upfront with any issues and we will work to find a solution together. While I work at Chick-fil-A, I will always be available for a quick chat or if someone needs advice. My Working genius is Enablement an Invention. This means I love to start new projects, and I love to boost people on a day to day basis.

Caleb Austin

Manager

  • I originally moved to Castle Rock my junior year of high school, and I really struggled to find a community I clicked with and enjoyed being around. I knew I wanted to start working and progressing in my career, and CFA Castle Rock was the perfect spot to give me a chance to learn and develop and break out of my shell to create relationships with the people around me.

  • Working at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock gave me the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and helped me develop my leadership skills, which has benefitted my life in many ways outside of just working.

  • Outside of Chick-fil-A I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as cheering for all of the Colorado sports teams. I am a big fan of football and can talk about the Broncos for hours on end if I am given the chance. I also enjoy mountain biking and the Colorado outdoors, and try to be outside as much as possible.

  • I enjoy seeing those around me flourish and grow, and I strive to provide them the opportunities to reach their potential. I also work to be fully transparent and create an environment where those communicating with me feel comfortable and valued.

Promenade

Jeremy Baca

General Manager

  • I choose to work at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock because I love the environment that Chick-fil-A offers to young team members. I am here to teach business and leadership principles to help others create a better version of themselves.

  • Chick-fil-A has helped me find my passion in life. The leaders that I have had at CFA have taught me who I want to be, and given me a pathway to achieve exactly what I want in life.

  • I enjoy playing and watching almost all sports. My top choice in sport is English Premier League Soccer, Go Liverpool! My wife and I really enjoy hiking and camping. We have 2 dogs (1 yr old Golden Retriever, Colt and a 5 yr old Australian Shepherd, Remi) who love to tire themselves out on a good hike. Our son was just born in March and any free time goes to that little dude.

  • You can expect a fair and direct approach. My natural talents are to help others work through problems, as well as to challenge the norm in order to come up with a more functional model. I excitedly welcome your fair and direct feedback as well.

Caiden Dontanville

Director

  • I was 18 years old when I started working here at Chick-fil-A. I lived in Larkspur and needed to find a creative way to spend my time besides just school. My older brother and my friends worked at Chick-fil-A and I thought that it would be an easy job to get hired at since I had many connections. I had a lot going on in my life at the time and I needed something to change in my life. Chick-fil-A gave me that opportunity. As I sat across from the person who interviewed me, I knew that this place was the perfect place for me to grow and become a “better version of myself.” Boom! I was hired.

  • This place has impacted me in so many ways. When I first started, I was a crazy high school graduate with a big heart for people. Not much has changed… Chick-fil-A helped me learn how to develop and grow others around me to achieve their goals and dreams. Chick-fil-A was where I met my wife and now we have a son. Talk about impact. Through the people who have come and worked here I have achieved many of my goals and dreams at the age of 26. If you are wondering how Chick-fil-A will impact your life I would suggest you give it your all and see what happens. Who knows, it could be the place that changes your life.

  • I like to ski in the mountains during the winter and in the summer I like to play football, volleyball, and spikeball with my family and friends. I volunteer at my church twice a week either playing on the worship team or teaching kids about the Bible. On a perfect day off I like to spend it with my wife Helen and son James going on walks and meeting with friends and family. Also if you currently play a sport in high school let me know because I love watching high school sports.

  • You can expect me to care for you and want you to succeed. I love developing people and making sure they know that I have their best interests at heart. If you are having a bad day and need someone to talk to or make you laugh, I am your guy. I will do my best to help you see the best things in you. Even things you may not be aware of yourself. My goal is to encourage you as a person to achieve the best that you can and make every moment count. Overall, you can expect me to help you grow into the best version of yourself while having a blast working here.

Jaylee Gouger

Director

  • I started working at Chick-fil-A because I was a regular, and I noticed the employees always seemed genuinely happy to be there. I was ready for a change from my old job so I gave it a shot! I have learned that the team is in fact an incredibly positive group of people that create an awesome work culture.

  • Chick-fil-A has and continues to provide me with numerous growth opportunities that help me grow professionally, but more so in my personal life. I started working at CFA when I was 17, and I learned first hand that high school/early college is a challenging time for a lot of people as they are navigating becoming an adult. The group of leaders at CFA really helped support and inspire me, and in fact inspired me to try and be that support for others as well.

  • I love to ski in the winter, paddle board in the summer, play Mario Party, bake cakes, workout, and spend time with friends and family.

    Ask me about my tallow business!

  • You can expect me to do my best to support you in any way I can, and challenge you to become the best version of yourself!

Sarah Weber

Marketing Director

  • My dad, Joe, became the Operator of Chick-fil-A Castle Rock when I was 10 years old, and for many years, Chick-fil-A felt more like it was chosen for me rather than by me. But as I grew into adulthood and experienced workplaces outside of Chick-fil-A, I realized that this place is really special. Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve watched our Chick-fil-A grow and evolve from both an inside and an outside perspective for over a decade, and I can confidently say it just gets better and better. Chick-fil-A truly is one of the few work environments where you will not only feel challenged to improve your professional skills, but you will also feel genuinely cared for every step of the way. Who can say no to experiencing that every day?

  • I think in many instances in my life, the lessons I’ve learned at Chick-fil-A have given me an upper hand, whether that be in personal or professional settings. Personally, my time with Chick-fil-A has taught me that every person you interact with has a story, and no matter what that story is, they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. We’re all just human beings doing the best we can with what we’re given. Professionally, I have learned that anyone can learn hard skills, but soft skills are what really set you apart. Yes, business is numbers and percentages, but it’s also about making connections, showing care for those around you, and going the second mile.

  • Just about every weekend I can be found in my real home, the outdoors, touching rocks or snow, depending on the season. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include hiking, skiing, running, backpacking, and looking at bugs. When I’m inside, I enjoy drawing, baking, doing yoga, catching up with my siblings, watching animated series, and smacking my dog’s belly.

  • My role at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock is quite different from the other leaders as I am basically the creative jack-of-all-trades, which often requires my attention outside of the restaurant. So while you may not always see me in the restaurants, you will see the work that I have created behind the scenes. When you do see me, I may appear to have a hard outer shell, but this is just a facade; a smile or “hello” will melt that right away. I am a very visual and kinesthetic learner, so I need to be shown rather than told in order to fully understand. I absolutely love creative problem solving so if you ever have any questions or ideas, I am more than happy to discuss them.

Valeria Sanchez

Manager

  • When Covid hit, I lost my job as a bartender and the restaurant industry was hit as a whole. Then, I saw a big banner at Chick-fil-A Promenade that said “HIRING” so I decided to give it a shot. I was so lucky that I got hired because it’s been the best job I’ve ever had.

  • Chick-fil-A Promenade has shaped me into the best version that I can be. It's made me a better leader, it’s taught me a lot of crucial lessons about life and business. I’ve been so fortunate to have created friendships here that will last a lifetime. I’ve also learned to always ask for help because, at Chick-fil-A, there’s always someone who cares and wants to help. Chick-fil-A has taught me that there’s always room for improvement and has given me the incredible opportunity to lead others and be able to teach them the same lessons that Chick-fil-A has taught me.

  • I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, going on adventures to the mountains, taking road trips, and going on walks. I’m so fortunate to live in such a beautiful state worth exploring! I also love spending time with my family, trying out new restaurants, and when I play video games I can get very competitive. One thing I’ve learned is to Live a Great Story in and out of work.

  • When it comes to leadership, I like to keep things calm and collected. One of my leadership strengths is tenacity, so I never give up and love seeing challenges through to the end. My discernment will keep me in touch with connections, wisdom and decision making. What you can expect from me as a leader is someone who's going to inspire confidence and loyalty. I'm always ready to get the job done with my team.

Nylan Payne

Director

  • I chose Chick-fil-A Castle Rock because I was a high schooler who needed a job at the time, but Chick-fil-A was not my first choice. It was a blessing in disguise. I have worked at Chick-fil-A for almost six years and through this time at Chick-fil-A, I would choose it over any other job. Choosing Chick-fil-A became one of the best decisions of my life!

  • I have learned almost all of my leadership and people skills at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock! While moving up to manager, I have had many opportunities with current and past team members to improve their skills and I feel this is one of my greatest callings. I have also created many great relationships with my coworkers that have extended outside of Chick-fil-A! One of the biggest impacts Chick-fil-A has had on my life is I met my future wife at Chick-fil-A who has been a very positive impact on my life! Thanks to current and past leadership, it has also helped me to have a positive view on life!

  • When I am not at Chick-fil-A, I enjoy spending time with my significant other, family and friends both from Chick-fil-A and not. In my personal time, I like to listen to music, watch movies, play video games and ski. I’m a Christian and my faith is very important to me. I enjoy going to church and doing church activities. I have been a member of the Air Force Reserves for five years and I enjoy serving my country!

  • Since I have been at Chick-fil-A for an extended amount of time, I feel I have a lot of knowledge that can support the team. I am very easy to talk to and very helpful if you need me to help you on shift. My greatest strength is growing and developing team members and leaders! I like to be the person you can feel comfortable talking to if you have an issue, problem or just want someone to help you with advice!

Roman Marroquin

Manager

  • I started at CFA in 2021. I had a lifelong friend who had worked here for several years already, and he wanted me to come work with him. I was living out of state in Alaska at the time where I had lived all my life, with plans to come live in Colorado. I was able to do an interview over the phone. A couple weeks later I made the move down and started working in June that year. I just jumped head first into this new environment and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

  • When I joined CFA, all I knew was that it was a great place to work at, but I didn’t know what that meant. During my first year, I was able to pick up all the positions pretty quickly and eventually was encouraged to become a part of the leadership team. As I started to become involved in the training for leadership, I could see that Joe and everyone else put a lot of work and effort into the development structure. I started to learn a lot of skills that I was lacking in, getting comfortable with conflict with the team and with guests that bring to me any issues they have experienced. My second year I was really pushed to learn more about the business, how I impact others, how we serve the community, and skills that can help me outside of work. Along the way, I’ve met some cool people that I’m glad to consider friends.

    The longer I work here, the more I figure out what I’m good at and what I might want to do for the future, which has been comforting.

  • When I’m not working, I like to do things that don’t break my bank. Recently, I’ve picked up reading, which I’ve really enjoyed. Past that, I like to cook for friends whenever we get together. Going to the movies, whether it’s by myself or with friends. I’m really big into music, so I like to go to concerts on occasion. My favorite genres are neo-soul/r&b and hiphop, but I like to listen to everything (and I mean everything). Hiking and tennis in the summer, skiing in the winter.

  • When I’m on shift, you can expect me to be very hands-on, always looking for ways to help or opportunities for training myself and others. When I’m conversing with the team, I tend to be very direct, straightforward, but that doesn’t mean I don’t joke around now and then. I always like to see the day glass-half-full, even through the tough days.

Lauren Payne

Manager

  • I chose Chick-fil-A because I grew up coming here and it had always been such a great environment. My family has always loved Chick-fil-A and I always wanted my first job to be at Chick-fil-A and now here we are!

  • Chick-fil-A has impacted my life in so many ways! It has helped develop and grow me as a person. I used to be very shy and socially awkward, but Chick-fil-A helped me grow out of that and now I’m a very social and bubbly person! I have created a lot of friendships and relationships here that extend outside of work! I even met my husband here! Chick-fil-A helped me see that work can be a fun and positive environment!

  • I love spending time with my family! I have a little sister who I love and adore endlessly! I like to spend my time reading! I love Harry Potter and Divergent and other books like that. I love playing games, my husband and I both have a group of friends we like to play with! I love watching tv shows, going to karaoke, go out to eat or hang out. All the fun stuff! I spend a lot of time with my significant other and we like to just hang out and relax! We also attend church every Sunday as our faith is very important to us, and it’s amazing to work for a company who supports that!

  • What you can expect from me as your leader is setting you up for success! I’m very good at giving you the tools you need to execute whatever task you need! I also strive to be someone that team members feel comfortable enough to ask questions or come to with concerns. I love helping wherever I can even if it’s non-work related! I am also very tenacious so I always try to complete a task to the best of my ability. I don’t know when to quit sometimes! You can always expect me to inspire people through my bubbly nature and positivity! I always make sure everyone leaves happier than they came in!